LOS ANGELES — Adult talent agent Shy Love has filed a slander lawsuit seeking unspecified damages against current ATMLA operator Mark Schechter and director Barrett Blade, alleging the defendants made false statements that she stole money from former clients while cooking the books of ATMLA when her husband owned and operated the talent agency.
Love, in the suit filed at Los Angeles Superior Court, also contends that adult production studios including Mile High Media and Gamma Entertainment had been asked by Schechter to "blacklist" Love's current clients.
Love's suit, also naming 20 unnamed John Does, further said that the defendants spread claims that she was bankrupt and that at least four adult performers were contacted by Schechter, who allegedly stated to them it was in their best interest to find alternative representation because of her purported misdeeds.
A veteran performer, producer, director and agency head, Love now operates The VIP Connect agency, which started up in September.
Her husband had owned ATMLA prior to selling the business to Schechter, who first made a name for himself in the adult biz as Mark Blazing, a part owner of the Blazing Bucks affiliate program that was acquired by Gamma Entertainment in March 2012.
Schechter officially took control of ATMLA in July 2013, when he and Love released a joint announcement about the change in ownership. Schechter, however, purchased the agency in October 2012, after initially meeting with Love about acquiring the company in June 2012.
Love claims that the alleged blacklist was honored by numerous adult film directors, including Brad Armstrong, Porno Dan, David Lord, Just Dave and Blade, and "injured her occupation."
"As a representative for individuals in the adult entertainment industry, [Love's] reputation in her trade is directly linked to her ability to negotiate and obtain contracts for her clients," the suit said. "Defendants published statements directly damage, and were directly aimed, to damage [her] name and reputation."
Schechter declined to comment on the suit, which was served to him several days ago. However, he told XBIZ that "ultimately the truth will come out."
Love, meanwhile, told XBIZ that the matter has become a "personal thing," and that she's going "full force" with the lawsuit.
"I asked Mark to publicly apologize, and unfortunately he didn't want to," Love said. "I am tired of being bullied, threatened and victimized by false statements."
Love's suit asks for damages, as well as for special damages.
